An open day, a special offer, reduced entrance fees and a special tour of the paper conservation labs: Heritage Malta is about to treat the public with a series of initiatives which promise to be a great opportunity for all those who hold our cultural heritage to heart.

The first of these initiatives is a free “Discover Gozo Ticket” (worth €13.00) with every “Ġgantija, the oldest free-standing building in the world” publication sold between Monday 8th December (Immaculate Conception) and Tuesday 6th January (Epiphany). The 208 page high-end coffee table publication features a number of articles by leading local and foreign experts, including David Trump, and over 400 exclusive photos by acclaimed photographer Daniel Cilia. The publication combined with the free “Discover Gozo Ticket” would make an excellent Christmas gift.

Wednesday 10th December is “Libraries Day”. The main focus this year is the key role libraries play to promote and foster literacy and reading, thereby enabling individuals to develop their knowledge and potential to achieve their goals. Heritage Malta will be participating by offering the public the opportunity to visit its paper (books) conservation laboratory between 10.00am and noon and attend a demonstration on the laborious process involved. Participants are encouraged to bring any artefacts for inspection and advice. The limited number of tickets will be made available on first come first served basis. A nominal fee of €10 applies. The price includes a coffee break and a complimentary copy of the Atlas “Merchants routes and trade cities in the Mediterranean” (460 pp). To reserve a place one may call on 23954242.

On Saturday 13th December, Heritage Malta will be opening the doors to 17 of its sites for free. These are: St. Paul’s Catacombs, the Domvs Romana (Rabat), the National Museum of Natural History (Mdina), the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Archaeology (Valletta), the Malta Maritime Museum, the Inquisitor’s Palace (Vittoriosa), Għar Dalam (Birżebbuġa), Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples (Qrendi) and Tarxien Temples (Tarxien) in Malta and the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, the Folklore Museum, the Gozo Nature Museum, the Old Prison (Citadel, Victoria), Ta’ Kola Windmill and Ġgantija Temples (Xagħra) in Gozo. During the Open day one will be able to purchase the new Heritage Malta calendar, proceeds from which will go to the Malta Community Chest Fund.

One day later, on the 14th of December, the Malta Maritime Museum and the Inquisitor’s Palace will be open at the greatly reduced price of €2 for both museums.